Traveling to Thailand
Thailand is a popular travel destination that boasts over 40 million visitors per year. Unless exempt or eligible to obtain a visa-on-arrival, foreign nationals wishing to enter Thailand are required to apply, before traveling, for the appropriate Thailand visa, based on the intended purpose for traveling to Thailand.
Foreign nationals from 64 countries are exempt from a Thailand visa and can enter Thailand visa free for a maximum of 30 days, while some countries can enter and obtain a visa-on-arrival and stay for a maximum of 15 days. All other foreign nationals need a Thailand visa to enter Thailand and must apply for a Thailand sticker visa prior to traveling to Thailand, or, if eligible, can apply online for a Thailand e-Visa.
The Thailand single entry visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue, permitting a stay of 60 days, while some single-entry visas allow for 14, 30, or 90 days, depending on your nationality. Multiple entry visas are valid for 6 months from the date of issue, permitting a stay of 60 days, while some multiple entry visas are valid for 1 year and allow for a stay of up to 1 year. It is important to note that the Thailand visa validity date differs from the number of days you are permitted to stay in Thailand, and visitors exceeding their permitted duration of stay may be subject to a fine and/or ban.
Thailand visa types
If you are a foreign national who is required to obtain a Thailand sticker visa or Thailand e-Visa prior to traveling to Thailand, you must apply for the appropriate Thailand visa based on your purpose for traveling to Thailand. The Thailand visa types are:
- Tourist visa
- Transit visa
- Non-immigrant visa
- Diplomatic visa
- Official visa
- Courtesy visa
Thailand visa requirements
The following is required to apply for all Thailand visas:
Passport
A passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least 2 blank pages for official use
Ticket
A round trip or onward ticket
Personal photo
One digital passport photo, no more than 6 months old, size 4x6cm
Application form
A completed Thailand visa application form
Financial proof
Proof of financial means during the stay in Thailand
Some types of Thailand visas have additional requirements than those listed above. Accordingly, you are advised to check the information requirements for the specific Thailand visa type you are applying for.
Thailand visa application
Thailand Sticker Visa
Unless exempt or eligible for a Thailand e-Visa or visa-on-arrival, all foreign nationals need a Thailand visa and must apply for a Thailand sticker visa prior to travel. Foreign nationals required to apply for a Thailand sticker visa must follow these steps:
- Prepare Thailand visa application
• Gather required documents listed above
• Fill out Thailand visa application form - Set an appointment at your nearest Thailand embassy or representation office abroad
Schedule appointment online or contact the Thailand embassy or representation office
- Attend your visa appointment at Thailand embassy or representation office
• Submit application and required documents
• Pay the Thailand visa fees - Wait for Thailand visa decision
• If approved, pick up Thailand visa from the Thailand embassy or representation office where you applied
• Verify that all information is correct and matches your passport
Thailand e-Visa
Foreign nationals eligible to apply online for the Thailand e-Visa must follow these steps:
- Apply online for Thailand e-Visa
• Fill out the application form online
• Upload required documents
• Submit completed application - Pay Thailand e-Visa fee
Receive approval confirmation to email inbox
- Wait for Thailand e-Visa decision
• If approved, receive Thailand visa to the email you provided
• Verify information is correct
• Download or print approved Thailand visa
Where to apply for Thailand visa
Thailand Sticker Visa
Foreign nationals required to apply for a Thailand sticker visa should apply at their nearest Thai embassy, representation office, or VAC abroad. Thailand visas cannot be applied for from within Thailand.
Thailand e-Visa
Certain foreign nationals are eligible to apply online for a Thailand e-Visa.
Thailand visa processing time
Thailand visas are usually processed between 3 to 5 business days, excluding delivery time for applications sent by mail. For these reasons, it is recommended to start the application process early, in case of delays or unforeseen circumstances.
